The Bayelsa State Government has expressed concern over a shooting incident that occurred during a political rally organized in support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid. The rally, held on Saturday by the NEW Associates group, which is loyal to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Chief Nyesom Wike, was marred by gunfire, leaving several people injured.
In a statement released by the Commissioner for Information, Orientation, and Strategy, Mrs. Obiuwou Koku-Obiyai, the Bayelsa government condemned the violence, stressing that it was not a mere coincidence. The statement raised suspicions about the rally, noting that earlier statements from the organisers had threatened that “the good, the bad, and the ugly” would attend the event.
“We are concerned that a gathering, which was meant to be peaceful, turned violent,” said the statement, expressing dismay over the situation. The government also called on the Inspector-General of Police and the police authorities in Bayelsa to swiftly investigate the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
The rally, which aimed to show support for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections, quickly turned chaotic as gunshots rang out, sending attendees into a panic. According to reports, several individuals were injured during the shooting, although the exact number of casualties remains unclear. The incident has raised questions about the safety of political gatherings in Bayelsa, a state known for its political activism.
While the government has not identified those behind the shooting, the statement highlighted the pre-event threats made by organisers. These threats, suggesting that a range of individuals, including those with questionable intentions, would attend the rally, have raised alarms among state officials.
In addition to calling for an investigation, the government highlighted that the rally had been held in a location that violated the guidelines set by the Electoral Act and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The rally was reportedly held on the campgrounds of a religious organisation, raising concerns about the involvement of religious spaces in political activities.
The Bayelsa government issued a stern warning to political groups not to involve religious institutions in their partisan activities. The statement stressed that such actions, which drag religious organizations into political affairs, could lead to the desecration of sacred spaces. It further noted that the government would not hesitate to sanction any religious institution found to have breached the law by allowing political rallies to be held on their premises.
“The involvement of religious organizations in political activities is a violation of the law, and we will take appropriate action against any group or religious institution found to be complicit,” the statement read.
The government also reiterated its commitment to maintaining peace and security in the state. “We will continue to ensure the safety of lives and property of all residents, and any action that threatens this peace will not be tolerated,” the statement concluded.
The shooting incident at the pro-Tinubu rally has added to the already charged political atmosphere in Bayelsa. The state, which has been a key battleground in Nigerian politics, has seen an increase in political rallies and gatherings in recent months, with various groups supporting different candidates ahead of the 2027 elections.
